Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian formalised a “comprehensive strategic partnership treaty” on Friday, strengthening ties between the two nations as they face mounting Western sanctions.
The agreement covers a wide range of areas, including trade, military cooperation, science, education, and culture.
Putin hailed the treaty as a “real breakthrough,” expressing hope that it would foster “stable and sustainable development” for Russia, Iran, and the surrounding region.
Acknowledging current trade volumes as insufficient, he emphasised the need to overcome technical obstacles to advance key projects, such as transporting Russian natural gas to Iran and establishing transport corridors to Iranian ports in the Gulf.
Pezeshkian agreed on the feasibility of these projects, noting that experts are working to address the remaining challenges. His visit coincided with the upcoming inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, who has vowed to broker peace in Ukraine and adopt a tougher stance on Iran, which continues to grapple with economic challenges and setbacks in its Middle Eastern influence.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed any connection between the treaty signing and Trump’s inauguration, stating that the timing had been planned well in advance.
During their discussions, Putin described the treaty as providing a significant boost to bilateral cooperation, while Pezeshkian called the agreements a “solid foundation” for future progress.
“We see our relations with you as vital, sensitive, and strategic,” Pezeshkian said, underscoring Iran’s commitment to strengthening ties with Russia.
He also criticised the presence of external forces, particularly the US, in the region, stating,
“They come from another side of the world to create chaos in the region. These ties will defuse their plot, definitely.”
Russia and Iran have drawn closer since Putin ordered troops into Ukraine in 2022.
Western nations and Ukraine have accused Tehran of supplying Moscow with drones for the conflict, allegations that both countries deny. Their partnership deepened last year when Iran joined the BRICS bloc and Pezeshkian attended the summit hosted in Kazan, Russia.
Historically, Russia and Iran have overcome strained relations since the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991, developing robust ties. Russia has become a key trade partner and supplier of military technologies for Tehran, which remains under severe international sanctions.
Russia has also been instrumental in Iran’s nuclear program, building its first nuclear power plant launched in 2013 and constructing two additional reactors.
The two nations also collaborated to support Bashar Assad’s government during Syria’s civil war. However, Assad’s recent overthrow after a swift opposition offensive marked a blow to both Moscow and Tehran.
Assad’s exile to Russia further diminished Iran’s “Axis of Resistance,” which has faced intensified Israeli offensives against groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as direct strikes on Iranian assets.
As Iran faces mounting setbacks in the Middle East and economic strain, it increasingly looks to Russia for military and political support. Tehran is particularly interested in acquiring advanced Russian weapons, such as long-range air defence systems and fighter jets, to counter potential attacks from Israel.
The challenges for Iran could escalate further as Trump prepares to reimplement his “maximum pressure” policy on Tehran after assuming office.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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